cat scratch disease
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cat scratch disease
Agent Bartonella henselae, formerly Rochalimaea henselae
Diagnosis History, indirect fluorescence
Management Gentamycin, ciprofloxacin
cat scratch disease
Cat scratch fever A self-limited regional lymphadenitis of children/adolescents, caused by close contact with or being scratched by household pets; 95% are due to cats–especially kittens, 5% to dogs Epidemiology ± 22,000/yr–US 2,000 hospitalizations; most cases occur in those under age 20, more common in ♂, often in fall and winter; fleas may be vectors Clinical Erythematous papules at the inoculation sites, eg hands and forearms, anorexia, malaise, fever, parotid swelling, maculopapular rashes, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, encephalopathy Diagnosis Hx, indirect fluorescence for antibodies to Rochalimaea henselae Treatment Gentamycin, ciprofloxacin. Cf Bacillary angiomatosis.cat scratch disease
Patient care
The patient is assessed for related symptoms and a history of cat contact. Prescribed cat scratch antigen skin testing is explained and administered. The patient is taught how to use hot compresses and handle and dispose of contaminated dressings. He is also advised to report headache, sore throat, stiff neck, and continuing fever (esp. if accompanied by chills or night sweats) because these may be indicators of rare complications. The patient is referred for further immune system evaluation if immunodeficiency is suspected because immunocompromise puts the patient at high risk for a disseminated form of this disease.
Patient discussion about cat scratch disease
Q. Is there any information out there regarding a severe allergy to cat scratches? Is there any information out there regarding a severe allergy to cat scratches? I am not referring to "cat scratch fever" disease, but an allergy where the site of the scratch becomes swollen and red, and the person has hives and trouble breathing. Thanks so much!
Now, if the site of the scratch is swollen and red, that could be due to minor infection and just the process of healing.